"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder." -- Mark 10:7-9

 

One of the great joys of parish life is the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Weddings require careful preparation, and at S. Stephen’s are normally performed only for regularly attending parishioners and members of their immediate families.

 

All couples contemplating marriage are required to meet with the Rector for at least three sessions of pre-marital instruction on the Church’s teaching concerning marriage. Additional sessions may be required at the Rector’s discretion. By canon law, the Rector must be satisfied that the couple intend and are able to undertake a Christian marriage before he consents to conduct the wedding or to allow it to take place in his parish.

 

The permission of the bishop must be obtained for remarriage in church of divorced persons if the former spouse is alive.

 

All weddings take place in the church using the authorized liturgy in The Book of Common Prayer. Flash photography is strictly prohibited during the service.

 

Couples planning a wedding are urged not to schedule the reception until the Rector has agreed to conduct the service on the anticipated date. Weddings are not scheduled for Sundays, or during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

 

There is no charge for weddings at S. Stephen’s. However, fees are payable to the organist, any other musicians, and the sexton. Many couples also wish to make some additional offering to the church in thanksgiving.